Should You Put a Photo on Your CV? An Expert Guide (with Tips)

A CV photo can make a positive first impression but only in the right context. Whether you should include one depends largely on the country, industry, and role you're applying for. Together, we'll explore your options.

Should you put a picture on your CV?

The question of adding a photo to your CV will depend on the country you're applying in, and the role you're applying for. CV and cover letter formats and conventions vary widely from country to country, so you need to consider these carefully when crafting your application. Let's take a look at some of the key considerations:

Should you include a photo on your CV in the UK?

In the UK and Ireland, including a photo on your CV is generally frowned upon, and recruiters will rarely request a photo. Unless you’re applying for a job at a modelling agency or in television, it's best to omit a personal photo from your CV.

In fact, in the UK, anti-discrimination laws prevent employers from requesting too much personal information. The UK Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination based on nine protected personal characteristics. These are:

As such, it's best to avoid adding unnecessary personal information to your CV. Personal information can risk introducing bias to the recruitment process. Additionally, it could even jeopardise your chances of success, as companies might discard or overlook applications to avoid the risk of legal complications.

Should you include a photo on your CV in the rest of the world?

Rules and cultural norms regarding CV photos differ across the world. In many other parts of the world, it's more acceptable, or even expected, to add a photo to your CV. Let's take a look at some of the places where CV photos are more, and less common:

While the table above provides a general overview, local expectations can still vary. Some multinational employers may also discourage photos, even in countries where they have traditionally been expected. If you're unsure, always check the job advert and research local recruitment practices before deciding whether to include a photo.

Advantages and disadvantages of including a photo in your CV

Before you go ahead and add a photo to your CV, weigh up the following pros and cons so you can make an informed decision:

Six tips for including your photo in your CV

If you decide to add a photo to your CV, consider these key tips to ensure you include the most suitable image:

1. Use a professional, appropriate photo

Your photo should represent you in a professional manner and environment. Don't use holiday photos, photos of you on a night out, or photos of you in a group setting. These settings will all create a distraction for the reader and detract from creating a professional first impression.

2. Use correct dimensions

Your CV photo should be approximately passport-sized, and not take up too much space on the page. Standard passport photo dimensions are 45mm high by 35mm wide, so aim for a similar size or aspect ratio to this, making sure the photo includes your head and shoulders only. If you're using a professional CV template like those offered by Jobseeker, you probably won't need to worry about your photo size or aspect ratio as the template will do the hard work of sizing your photo appropriately.

3. Smile naturally

You'll want your CV photo to make you appear warm and approachable, so it's important to smile. Relax and smile as naturally as possible when you're having your photo taken, and if possible, take a few photos so you can choose the one with the most natural, appealing likeness.

4. Dress professionally

Your CV photo should create an impression of you as a confident, professional person, and the clothes you wear in your photo will reinforce that. Dress professionally, and in an appropriate manner for the role or industry sector. A useful guide is to wear clothes you would typically dress in for an interview for the role. Although the photo will only show your head and shoulders, employers will still be able to detect unsuitable attire or appearance.

5. Keep a clean, neutral background

Use a neutral background that's free of distractions. This could either be completely blank, such as a solid light or dark backdrop, or patterned but free from clutter. If you're using a completely blank background, you could include a plant or another simple item to make the setting look natural, but ensure these are blurred into the background and don't crowd the image.

6. Align with your online profile photos

Employers are likely to look up your online profiles, and particularly your LinkedIn, when assessing your application. As such, it's useful for your CV photo to align with your social profiles so employers can identify them more easily.

Examples of CV photos

Take a look at these examples of CV photos, to help you better understand what makes a great CV picture, and what to avoid.

Where should I put my picture on my CV?

Traditionally, the best place to put a CV picture is at the top of the document, as part of the CV header. Most CV example layouts will include the photo either at the top left or top right of the CV, incorporated as part of the CV header design.

However, it's important to ensure that your CV photo doesn't take up too much space, detract from or replace any of the standard information in your header, which tends to include all your contact information. Use passport-style photo dimensions and make sure the photo doesn't dominate the document, but instead complements the overall design and layout.

Jobseeker's CV designs provide ready-made CV headers and layouts that can help you get the proportions and structure of your CV perfectly aligned. Using a CV builder like this is one way to ensure your photo fits perfectly with the overall look and feel of the document.

CV examples with and without photos

These CV examples show you how your CV could look both with, and without a photo. Both CVs use Jobseeker's HR-approved CV layouts, which are structured to help you pass the ATS stage and give your application the best chance of proceeding to the interview stage. Take a look at the examples below to decide whether you'd prefer a CV with our without a photo:

Choosing a CV layout with a photo can be effective when you're applying for jobs in a country where CV photos are expected. This type of CV can also be effective when applying to less formal, modern industry sectors, or when you want to add some personality to your application. You might select this type of CV layout when you want to show your professional demeanour and your friendly, approachable nature.

A CV without a photo is more likely to have a positive impact when applying for traditional professions and more formal job roles. In these circumstance, you'll want to keep your CV layout more clean, simple and free from distractions. It's also best to use a CV layout without a photo when you're applying in countries with highly regulated anti-discrimination laws, such as the UK.

Key takeaways for adding a photo to your CV

Whether or not you choose to add a photo to your CV depends on your industry and the country where you intend to work. Here is a concise recap:

• In the UK, it's not standard practice to include a photo owing to anti-discrimination laws, but CV photos are more common in many other parts of the world.
• When adding a photo to your CV, aim for passport photo dimensions, and place in the CV header, either in the top left or top right of the document.
• Dress professionally, smile and use a clear background free from distractions.

Whether or not you decide to add a photo to your CV, Jobseeker's resources and templates can help you craft an eye-catching job application that makes a strong first impression on employers. Use professionally designed CV, cover letter templates and examples to help you get ahead of the competition and one step closer to gaining an interview.